New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A6177

Introduced
12/8/25  
Refer
12/8/25  

Caption

Includes minimum number of firefighting personnel for public employer as term and condition of employment for purpose of collective bargaining under certain circumstances; provides for dispute resolution procedure.

Impact

The introduction of A6177 is expected to have significant implications on collective bargaining agreements between firefighting personnel and public employers. By establishing minimum staffing requirements as a mandatory subject of negotiation, the bill aims to preemptively address disputes that may arise from differing interpretations of staffing needs. The bill ensures that any disputes over staffing numbers directly related to safety will be resolved through established arbitration processes, potentially benefiting both parties involved in these negotiations.

Summary

Bill A6177 seeks to amend the New Jersey Employer-Employee Relations Act to set minimum staffing standards for firefighters and fire officers as part of the terms and conditions of their employment. Specifically, it mandates that the minimum number of sworn firefighters assigned to each fire apparatus must be justified based on their connection to public and employee safety. This initiative is part of an effort to enhance safety protocols within fire departments while also ensuring that employees have a clear avenue for negotiating necessary staffing levels.

Contention

Notably, discussions surrounding A6177 may evoke contention between public employers and firefighter unions. Public employers may express concerns over the added financial implications of binding minimum staffing standards, while unions advocate for the essential nature of these standards to safeguard public safety and ensure proper coverage during fire emergencies. Furthermore, the bill does not alter or diminish the rights of other public employees not directly involved in firefighting, which could lead to debates on fairness and equity in public sector employment negotiations.

Companion Bills

NJ S4802

Same As Includes minimum number of firefighting personnel for public employer as term and condition of employment for purpose of collective bargaining under certain circumstances; provides for dispute resolution procedure.

Previously Filed As

NJ A3400

Includes minimum number of firefighting personnel for public employer as term and condition of employment for purpose of collective bargaining under certain circumstances; provides for dispute resolution procedure.

NJ S2781

Includes minimum number of firefighting personnel for public employer as term and condition of employment for purpose of collective bargaining under certain circumstances; provides for dispute resolution procedure.

WA HB2409

Placing agricultural employees under the jurisdiction of the public employment relations commission for the purpose of collective bargaining.

WA SB6045

Placing agricultural employees under the jurisdiction of the public employment relations commission for the purpose of collective bargaining.

TX HB3171

Relating to compensation and employment condition standards by municipal charter or collective bargaining agreement and to impasse resolution in collective bargaining with certain political subdivisions.

NJ A2356

Provides employment protections for paid first responders diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder under certain conditions.

TX SB777

Relating to compensation and employment condition standards by municipal charter or collective bargaining agreement and to impasse resolution in collective bargaining with certain political subdivisions.

NJ A1820

Requires official inspection facility employees covered by collective bargaining agreement to be offered employment following contract renewal or award of new contract; requires collective bargaining agreement to be binding in certain cases.

RI H5227

Provide protection for the rights of professional, administrative and secretarial employees of the department of education to collectively bargain over all terms and conditions of employment.

RI S0987

Provide protection for the rights of professional, administrative and secretarial employees of the department of education to collectively bargain over all terms and conditions of employment.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.